A visit to Old Trafford is next up for Arsenal, a ground where the Gunners have won just once in their last 16 trips (L10, D5). Arsenal will be aiming to keep hold of the top spot in the Premier League as they continue to hold off the juggernaut of Manchester City from the summit of the table.
Both sides have had extremely contrasting seasons, with Arsenal fighting for the title and Manchester United aiming to grab a European place over the likes of Chelsea and Spurs. Going into this, the Gunners will be brimming with confidence after four straight victories in the league, keeping clean sheets in three of those matches and scoring 13 goals along the way.
Although the Red Devils may be lacking the confidence Arsenal have, that won’t stop the Old Trafford roar from pushing them on to try and overcome Arsenal once again. Here are some of the players who could bring the biggest threats on Sunday afternoon:
Bruno Fernandes
After being sidelined with a knock for Monday’s 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace. Bruno Fernandes is one of the few United players that look set to return to the side this weekend. Being the captain of this United squad, the Portugal international brings leadership, goals and overall gives his teammates the boost they need to achieve results.
Fernandes has continued to prove why he is so influential both on and off the pitch again this season, with 17 goal contributions (10G, 7A) in 33 league matches. As well as this, the attacking midfielder shows a high level of consistency with his performances, more than any of his United teammates as he’s averaged a match rating of 7.83 so far this season.
Bruno’s seven appearances against the Gunners have been notable, providing one goal and two assists in said matches, proving that Arsenal will need to keep the playmaker quiet to nullify United’s key threats.
Alejandro Garnacho
If there have been any positives to United’s disappointing season barring reaching the FA Cup final, it’s the fact another academy product in the name of Alejandro Garnacho has established himself as a key man and starter for the red side of Manchester.
The Argentine forward has been a man facing a lot of pressure but has come good when they needed him most. His aggressive nature and want to go forward is part of what makes him effective. Currently, Garnacho has seven league goals to his name and four assists.
Garnacho hasn’t scored against Arsenal before, however, he did manage slot one in the back of the net at the Emirates earlier this season, before controversially being ruled out by VAR.
Rasmus Hojlund
Hojlund found his best form this season in the UEFA Champions League with five goals in six appearances. Although it took until Boxing Day this season for Hojlund to find the back of the net in the Premier League, the striker has managed another seven goals after this. However, after hitting the golden form he found in early 2024, he has only scored one goal in his last nine United appearances, so a good performance is due.
Even though Hojlund is known for being a goal scorer, he creates around 45% more chances than his rival Premier League strikers, showing he has a playmaker side to him as well.
This will be the first time the Dane has faced Arsenal at Old Trafford, a fixture rich in history and he will be looking to write his name in the headlines and add his name to the scoresheet in this historic tie.
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